AIADMK ousts Sasikala and Dinakaran

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Wednesday said the ouster of the rival AIADMK faction’s two leaders was his faction’s first victory in the “dharma yudh”.

He was referring to the ruling AIADMK faction’s decision to sideline now jailed general secretary VK Sasikala and her nephew and deputy general Secretary TTV Dinakaran.

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister D Jayakumar had announced on Tuesday night that AIADMK ministers had decided to keep Sasikala, Dinakaran and their family members out of the party.

Jayakumar said a committee would be formed to run the party. Sasikala was elected the AIADMK general secretary in December after Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa died.

Dinakaran earlier said that as everyone had decided to keep him out of party affairs, he had decided to stay out.

According to Panneerselvam, the war for justice would continue “till the main goal is achieved”.

He reiterated that AIADMK founder and former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran and his successor Jayalalithaa led the party as a movement of cadre.

He said that after Jayalalithaa died, the AIADMK had gone into the hands of Sasikala’s family.

“The war for justice is to retrieve the party from the clutches of that family.”

Panneerselvam said both the factions would now hold talks for a merger of the AIADMK and a decision would be taken as per the wishes of party members.

Meanwhile, Dinakaran said the state ministers had decided to keep him out of the party due to some fear.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, he said: “Due to some unknown fear, the ministers have taken the decision.”

Dinakaran said he does not know what the ministers are fearing and the U-turn in their stand has happened in a matter of three days.

He also said as everybody decided to keep him out of the party affairs, he has decided to stay out.

Dinakaran said Sasikala appointed him as the deputy general secretary and he would resign his post only after discussing it with her.

Sasikala was elected as the AIADMK’s general secretary in December 2016.

Jayakumar, who made the announcement after meeting Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, told reporters that the AIADMK was bowing to the wishes of party cadre, people, lawmakers, ministers and others to keep Dinakaran and his family members out of the party.